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Most of us have experienced driving in cold weather and our share of breakdowns. Usually a breakdown is due to the neglect of our vehicle; I’m just as guilty as the next guy. We’re busy people! Things we neglect that can cause us to have problems, especially in the winter months:
• Battery
• Antifreeze
• Engine oil
• Window washer fluid
• Wiper blades
• Tires
Here are 6 simple things we can do to help save us from a winter breakdown:
1. Load test the battery. Check and clean the battery connections.
2. Check the condition, strength, and level of the antifreeze. Replace if needed.
Antifreeze concentration test.
3. Check the engine oil condition and level. Replace the engine oil and filter if needed.
Engine oil dipstick location on a Dodge truck.
Checking the level of the engine oil on the dipstick.
4. Refill the window washer bottle and check the spray operation.
Windshield washer bottle.
5. Inspect and replace the wiper blades as needed.
Check the condition of the windshield wiper blades.
6. Inspect the tires for tread wear and pressure; rotate if needed.
Check the tread of the tires for wear.
Check the tire pressure.
Refer to Chilton’s online repair manuals to help keep your vehicle in top shape. Check out ChiltonDIY for repair procedures, maintenance intervals, wiring diagrams, technical service bulletins, Recalls, and more.
Jeep® vehicles are built to perform on the scenic route and designed to make a big splash upon arrival, which made the LA Auto Show the perfect place to debut the All-New 2017 Jeep Compass. With best-in-class available 4×4 off-road capability1 and a premium interior, the All-New 2017 Jeep Compass was the perfect fit for California’s intersection of adventure and style.
Off-road performance
In the All-New 2017 Jeep Compass, you’re free to explore new trails on the coast when you’re ready to get out of the city. For best-in-class available off-road capability1, Compass offers two advanced, intelligent 4×4 systems. Jeep Active Drive is a full-time 4×4 system, and Jeep Active Drive Low is a full-time 4×4 system with 20:1 crawl ratio. Each system can send 100 percent of available torque to any one wheel. In addition, both Jeep Active Drive and Active Drive Low 4×4 systems include the Jeep Selec-Terrain® system, providing up to five modes (Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud modes, plus exclusive Rock mode on the Trailhawk model) for optimal four-wheel-drive performance on- or off-road and in any weather condition.
The Trail Rated® Jeep Compass Trailhawk
The All-New 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk was designed for those who seek adventure and prefer to venture off the beaten path, from coat to the coast. For even greater Trail Rated off-road capability, Selec-Terrain includes Selec-Speed Control with Hill-Descent Control on Trailhawk models. Additional features and highlights of the Trailhawk include standard Jeep Active Drive Low 4×4 20:1 crawl ratio; Selec-Terrain with Rock mode; increased ride height of almost one inch; skid plates; Jeep brand signature red front and rear tow hooks; unique fascias with a 30-degree approach angle, 24-degree breakover angle and 34-degree departure angle; Hill-Descent Control; aggressive 17-inch off-road tires; up to 19 inches of water-fording capability2; and up to 2,000 pounds towing capability when properly equipped.
City streets and on-road performance
When the All-New 2017 Jeep Compass returns from the trails along the Pacific Ocean, it’s ready to navigate the streets of Los Angeles in style with athletic on-road driving dynamics. The Compass features FCA’s “small wide architecture,” a fully independent suspension, Koni frequency damping front-and-rear-strut system, and precise electric power steering that combine to deliver an engaging and responsive ride. And when it comes to efficiency, the All-New 2017 Jeep Compass features the proven, efficient 2.4-liter Tigershark® four-cylinder engine matched with a standard 6-speed manual or available 6- or 9-speed automatic transmission.
Authentic Jeep vehicle design with premium features and open-air freedom
From highways to coastal trails and downtown streets to back country roads, the topography of America is as varied as the people who call it home. For these diverse adventure seekers, the All-New 2017 Jeep Compass features a premium, sculptural design aesthetic. The legendary seven-slot grille features a fresh look, with each of the individual chrome slots in a Gloss Black field. An available dual-pane sunroof provides a large opening overhead, connecting drivers and passengers to the outdoors and open-air freedom. And while you’re out enjoying that open-air freedom, you’ll be able to reach your cargo with ease thanks to the available power liftgate.
Interior Design and Technology
Inside, the center console neatly integrates the functional features of the All-New 2017 Jeep Compass, including gear-shift selection, available Selec-Terrain controls, electronic parking brake, climate and volume control knobs, and easily accessible media charging and connectivity ports within the cubby bin.
Advanced technology delivers thorough use of the new infotainment systems. The 2017 Jeep Compass offers four new Uconnect® systems (Uconnect 5.0, 7.0, 8.4 and 8.4NAV), delivering communication, entertainment and navigation features that drivers and passengers desire, including the full-color LED instrument cluster. And now, Apple CarPlay® and AndroidTM Auto are available, so you can connect your iPhone® or Android mobile device for seamless integration of calls and texts3, as well as your favorite apps, maps, music and more.
The best for last — safety and security comes first
The All-New 2017 Jeep Compass offers more than 70 available active and passive safety and security features, including “safety cage” construction with more than 65 percent high-strength steel. Available features include Forward Collision Warning-Plus4, LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus5, Blind Spot Monitoring5 with Rear Cross Path detection6 and ParkView® rear backup camera6 with dynamic grid lines — plus seven standard airbags7.
The west coast has been fun — now it’s time to explore the country. Learn more about the open-air freedom of the All-New 2017 Jeep Compass at jeep.com/compass.
1Based on the Compact SUV Segment and the Jeep Compass offering a low-range power transfer unit (PTU) with a 20:1 crawl ratio, low-range 4×4 capability.
2Water fording depth varies 19-30 inches depending on Trail Rated Jeep 4×4. Do not attempt water fording unless depth is known to be less than maximum capability. Check owner’s manual for details. Traversing water can cause damage not covered by the new vehicle warranty. Always off-road responsibly in approved areas.
3Vehicle must be registered with Uconnect Access and fulfill minimum subscription requirements. Requires the use of a compatible smartphone that supports text messaging and Bluetooth®.
4This system is an alert system for the front of the vehicle. It is not a substitute for active driver involvement. The driver must remain aware of traffic conditions and be prepared to use brakes to avoid collisions.
5Always check visually for vehicles prior to changing lanes.
6Always check entire surroundings visually before backing up.
7Always sit properly in designated seating positions
The post THE ALL-NEW 2017 JEEP® COMPASS DEBUTS AT THE LA AUTO SHOW appeared first on The Jeep Blog.
What could be more exciting than a fresh snowpack and the four-wheel-drive 2017 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited Winter Edition? How about the addition of a dogsled team and professional snowboarder Chase DeMeulenaere?
2017 X Games Aspen, a celebration of winter action sports and music, begins January 26 on Aspen, Colorado’s Buttermilk Mountain. The Jeep brand will be there for all the festivities, but we’ve decided to take the scenic route on our way to the slopes. Fortunately, we have sled dogs by our side, and the off-road capability of the 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Winter edition to carry us to the summit. The 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Winter was designed with winter athletes in mind — those who tackle the mountain’s snowy challenges and inclines with don’t-hold-back attitude and eye-catching style, athletes like Chase and his … driver.
The Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Winter editions take winter head-on with trail-conquering features like premium off-road rock rails, steel bumpers, BFG KO2 All-Terrain Tires, and the Jeep Command-Trac® 4×4 System. These special-edition winter Jeep Wrangler models look and act the part, ready to conquer a snow-capped mountain, with black McKinley leather-trimmed seat bolsters with sport mesh inserts for comfort and support, heated front seats with diesel gray accent stitching, and piano black front and rear door grab handles and vent rings. Perfect for getting a snowboarder up the mountain pass, and for keeping the sled dogs running.
Gear up and strap on a snowboard or pile into a legendary 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Winter for your Aspen adventure.
The post OFF-ROAD, MUSH OR SNOWBOARD TO 2017 X GAMES ASPEN appeared first on The Jeep Blog.
We just wrapped up another 4×4-filled week at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. While the vehicles on the showroom floor offered plenty for Jeep enthusiasts to be excited about, it was a few key announcements about future product plans that had off-road fans and the press alike talking. Before we touch on that, let’s take a look at a few of the iconic Jeep brand vehicles that were on display.
The All-New 2017 Jeep Compass, shown here in Trailhawk trim in Spitfire Orange. Coming this spring, the 2017 Jeep Compass will continue the brand’s tradition of off-road dominance with best-in-class 4×4 capability.*
The new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Winter, shown in Billet Silver. This new special-edition Wrangler model is equipped from the factory for winter action with standard features including BFGoodrich KO2™ tires wrapping 17-inch mid-gloss black wheels, premium off-road rock rails, heated front seats and all-weather slush mats.
The 2017 Jeep Renegade Desert Hawk, shown in Mojave Sand. The limited-edition Renegade Desert Hawk adds to the Renegade Trailhawk model’s off-road performance with a unique look topped off by the exclusive map hood decal.
The 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, shown in Hydro Blue. Style and capability were on full display in this Cherokee Trailhawk with its best-in-class 4×4 capability† and available 17-inch Black painted aluminum wheels.
And about those announcements … the Jeep brand kicked off NAIAS with exciting news, confirming the addition of three new models to our future lineup: a new Jeep pickup truck and the return of the legendary Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer nameplates. While we can’t give away much more than that right now, stay tuned to the Jeep blog for updates on all future and current Jeep vehicles, and visit www.jeep.com to learn more about the entire 2017 Jeep lineup.
* Based on Compact SUV segmentation. BIC 4×4 capability based on the All-New Jeep Compass offering low-range power transfer unit (PTU) with 20:1 crawl ratio, low-range 4×4 capability.
†Based on Jeep Cherokee offering 2 speed power transfer unit (PTU) with rear locking axel, low range 4×4 capability, exclusive Jeep Selec- terrain with 5 settings (including snow).
The post THE JEEP® BRAND AT THE 2017 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW appeared first on The Jeep Blog.
As it turns out, Chicago is the perfect city for a camping trip, and this year’s Chicago Auto Show made for one great campsite. The Jeep® brand recently set up our full interactive Camp Jeep exhibit of logs, dirt, boulders and water at McCormick Place, where visitors could experience all the off-road capability of the Jeep® brand lineup.
Here is a collection of pictures from our adventures in the Windy City.
Over the course of the show, we tested ground clearance, maneuverability and more. Best of all, we shared some great stories with our fellow off-road enthusiasts. Vehicles on-site in Chicago included the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit in Granite Crystal, 2017 Jeep Renegade Desert Hawk® Limited Edition, 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk in Redline, All-New 2017 Jeep Compass in Billet Silver, and 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Hard Rock Edition in Rhino.
Now we’re headed for new campsites where we can share the Jeep brand experience. Here’s a list of upcoming auto shows where you can visit Camp Jeep in the coming months. https://www.facebook.com/jeep/posts/10156749758411515
Learn more about the full Jeep vehicle lineup at jeep.com, and visit us wherever Camp Jeep pops up.
The post THE JEEP® BRAND SETS UP CAMP AT THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW appeared first on The Jeep Blog.
Are you ready for an off-road adventure in a new Jeep® vehicle? You don’t have to venture too far off the beaten path for the complete 4×4 experience. The Jeep brand will be on-site in five different cities this winter and spring for Camp Jeep demonstrations and four-wheel-drive ride-alongs.
Camp Jeep will make appearances at auto shows across North America from now through April. Look for the interactive display at the following locations:
Cleveland Auto Show February 24 to March 5
Twin Cities Auto Show March 11 to 19
Houston Auto Show April 5 to 9
New York Auto Show April 12 to 23
All the icons will be open for ride-alongs, including the legendary Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, Cherokee Trailhawk and Renegade Trailhawk. Just sign up and climb in for Camp Jeep Mountain and its 18-foot-tall peak with 35-degree approach and departure angles. You can also experience boulders, logs, dirt and more in the 24,000-square-foot interactive exhibit.
Since the debut of Camp Jeep in 2004, more than 1.5 million people have experienced the interactive off-road experience at over 100 events in the U.S. Now it’s your turn to experience legendary Trail Rated® capability.
Camp Jeep will be open to the public during the 2017 auto show circuit. Meet us in a town near you and learn more at jeep.com.
*As quantities remain.
The post CAMP JEEP® 2017 AUTO SHOW SCHEDULE appeared first on The Jeep Blog.
Spring has arrived, and with it the sweet smell of open-air freedom. The second annual April 4 tradition of 4×4 Day is upon us, and it’s the perfect occasion to kick off another year of off-road exploration — time to shift your Jeep® Wrangler into four-wheel drive, drop the top and hit the trail.
Who’s ready for a 2017 off-road adventure?
In celebration of 4×4 Day 2017, we’ve created a Jeep® Hair, Don’t Care Snapchat lens to capture that feeling of cruising with the top down and breaking boundaries. Add a layer of wind-whipped hair and Jeep® brand adventure to your photos today, and show off your off-road attitude for 4×4 Day.
The lens is available in the Snapchat lens gallery all day on April 4. After April 4, use the Snapcode below to access the lens. Simply point your Snapchat camera at the Snapcode, scan and unlock to add the lens to your gallery for up one hour.
Are you ready to tackle spring in an off-road icon? Learn more about 4×4 adventures and the entire 2017 Jeep® lineup at jeep.com.
The post CELEBRATE 4×4 DAY ON APRIL 4 WITH THE JEEP® BRAND appeared first on The Jeep Blog.
Ready for a little off-road inspiration? Take a look at the extreme trail riding photos and video from the 2017 Easter Jeep® Safari in Moab, Utah.
Remember, when it comes to the most difficult trails, the key is to stay calm and remain focused … and that’s a tall order when you’re tackling the inclines at Moab. Fortunately, the iconic Jeep Wrangler 4×4 is built for the challenge.
And no matter how hardcore your 4×4 credentials, a good spotter is essential when choosing the correct line and conquering the most daunting obstacles. See how the guides at the Easter Jeep Safari help to instill confidence and calm nerves in the most precarious situations.
After all that excitement on the trail, it’s important take a deep breath and reflect. And when it comes to watching the world go by, it doesn’t hurt to have the best seat in the house. Let’s sit back and enjoy the view from the Top of the World.
Can’t get enough of Moab? Check out the Jeep brand concept vehicles that showed their 4×4 prowess at the 2017 Easter Jeep Safari.
It’s never too early to look forward to next year’s Easter Jeep Safari. Start planning your desert adventure at jeep.com.
The post SIGHTS AND SOUNDS FROM THE 2017 EASTER JEEP® SAFARI appeared first on The Jeep Blog.
Jeep® SUVs are legendary for their ability to travel anywhere, and that includes into the not- so- distant future. Climb into the passenger seat, take hold of the grab handle, and come along for the ride as we take you on a tour of 2018 and three of the new, exciting rollouts the Jeep brand has in store for off-road enthusiasts and forward-looking drivers.
The future hasn’t yet fulfilled its sci-fi promise of vehicles that fly, but the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk gets pretty darn close. The most powerful and quickest SUV ever1, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk comes with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. This speedster leaps from 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 3.5 seconds, conquers the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds and achieves a top speed of 180 mph.2
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk also boasts an upgraded TorqueFlite® eight- speed automatic transmission and driveline components engineered to handle additional torque output, plus added stopping power courtesy of a new Brembo® braking system that includes the largest-ever front brakes on a Jeep® SUV, delivering 60-0 mph braking performance of 114 feet.2 Drivers will move forward quickly into a new generation of performance with world-class on- road driving dynamics thanks the Selec-Track® system with five dynamic drive modes and a Bilstein® adaptive suspension system.
Ready to look ahead to the future? The 2018 Jeep Cherokee Latitude offers a groundbreaking technology package that includes new Uconnect® with Amazon® Alexa capability. The technology is designed to eliminate everyday stresses by keeping drivers conveniently connected to their vehicle, for a completely unique and seamless experience. Drivers can now ask Alexa, through voice commands, to start the vehicle’s engine, lock and unlock doors, send navigation instructions to the vehicle, plus check fuel and tire pressure levels – from the comfort their home.
Customers who purchase the 2018 Jeep Cherokee Latitude with the Tech Connect Package will receive an Amazon Echo Dot device, a three-month subscription to the Amazon Music Unlimited3 Family Plan – the on-demand full-catalog streaming service with access to tens of millions of songs, thousands of hand-curated playlists and personalized stations – and a three- month subscription to Audible4, the world’s largest seller and producer of digital spoken-word entertainment.
In addition, the new Tech Connect Package features exterior enhancements including Diamond Black Crystal-painted lower cladding; gloss black finishes on the chin applique, upper and lower grille surround, roof rails and badging; plus premium 18-inch painted aluminum wheels.
The next generation is now. Introducing the All-New 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The rumors are true — the most capable SUV ever now delivers more 4×4 capability, advanced fuel- efficient powertrains, more safety features and advanced technology, all packaged in a modern design with even more open-air options that stay true to the original, iconic Wrangler design.
The All-New 2018 Wrangler stands out with its instantly recognizable grille, iconic round headlamps and square taillamps, improved aerodynamics, a convenient fold-down windshield for off-road purists, and dozens of different door, top and windshield combinations.
Introduce yourself to the All-New 2018 Jeep Wrangler — a new chapter in the history of the Jeep brand, written to inspire exploration and adventurous discovery.
See what the Jeep brand has on the horizon for 2018 at jeep.com.
1 Based on 2016 Ward’s SUV Segmentation excluding electric vehicles.
2 Based on manufacturer’s testing. Always drive carefully, consistent with conditions. Always wear your seat belt and obey posted speed limits.
3 New Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers only. Terms and Conditions apply. Learn more: amazon.com/Cherokee. Offer expires 06/30/2018.
4 New Audible subscribers only. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more: audible.com/Cherokee. Offer expires 06/30/2018.
The post 3 BIG 2018 ADDITIONS FROM THE JEEP® BRAND appeared first on The Jeep Blog.
Blown-out tire treads lying on the road are known in the trucking industry as “road gators.” When you’re driving down the highway, the textured rubber of a tire tread lying flat in your lane can almost look like the ridges and scales on the back of an alligator lying in wait. Road gators can happen at any time, especially on interstates where the speed limit is 70 or 75 mph. Most motorists notice road gators safely sunning themselves on highway shoulders but sometimes, they end up in the travel lane, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out so you can avoid them.
A road gator’s bite may surpass that of a its namesake, slicing open oil pans, ripping off steering components, smashing through windshields and causing panicked drivers to lose control of their vehicles, attempting to avoid the beasts.
Here’s some information on why road gators occur and what steps to take if a vehicle loses its tire tread in front of you on the highway.
Low tire pressure causes a majority of tire failures, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Another cause is damage from smacking curbs, potholes and road hazards. To help avoid creating baby road gators, the NHTSA suggests that drivers check tire pressure with a quality tire gauge before every trip, never exceed the weight limit of the vehicle or its tires, avoid road hazards and regularly inspect tires for cuts or other damage.
Driving any distance on a flat or severely underinflated tire may severely damage the tire. For vehicles with tires in pairs — heavy trucks, recreational vehicles, dually pickups — continuing to drive with one flat tire may cause damage to its mate: Tires are paired to help expand load-carry capability, not for extended mobility.
Summer is known as prime road gator season because heat can be one of a tire’s biggest enemies. Underinflation, high speeds and uneven highways can combine to increase heat in a tire. Overheating breaks down the tire’s internal components — both fabric and the bonds between different layers and types of rubber. Soon, another road gator will be born.
Here’s what passenger vehicle drivers can do to help avoid road gators.
Seeing road gators is part of highway driving these days, but remember that they can be dangerous if they are in your driving path. If you can spot them early and learn how to safely maneuver around them, you may help prevent an accident or vehicle damage. Remember these tips to help avoid road gators so that you get to your destination safely.
Originally published on June 19, 2014.
The post Don’t Let Road Gators Bite: Tips for Avoiding Tire Debris appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
Catalytic converters are designed to act as a line of defense against harmful exhaust system emissions by turning pollutants into harmless gasses, according to Cars.com. Thieves target catalytic converters because they contain precious metals, like platinum, palladium or rhodium, that are valuable to metal dealers. They can sell them to scrap yards for up $200, says Edmunds. But, how are catalytic converters removed?
Thieves typically use a saw or wrench to remove it, depending on whether the catalytic converter is bolted or welded in, says Edmunds — and removal can take as little as one minute. So, what can you do to help prevent catalytic converter theft? Read on to learn more about what thieves might be looking for and tips to help protect your vehicle.
Fuel-powered vehicles manufactured after 1974 have catalytic converters, according to Angie’s List, so there are a lot of cars on the road that might appeal to catalytic converter thieves. However, thieves often target taller vehicles (such as pickup trucks or SUVs) because they can easily fit under the vehicle to access the catalytic converter, says The Spruce. The location of your car may also be a factor — regularly parking in one area for a long period of time, such as a shopping mall or mass commuter parking lot, can give thieves more time to access your vehicle and steal the catalytic converter, says The Balance.
You may not be able to tell your catalytic converter was stolen by looking at your car, but you will know as soon as you start the engine. When the catalytic converter has been removed, your vehicle will make a loud roaring sound that will get louder as you push the gas pedal, says The Spruce. Your car might also make a sputtering sound as you change speed, or you’ll notice it’s not driving smoothly.
A victim of theft may spend up to $2,000 getting their vehicle repaired, says The Spruce. There are several states trying to help reduce metal theft by instituting laws that regulate scrap metal transactions or dealers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Some of these laws may require scrap dealers to document the seller’s ID before accepting the metal, or document vehicle descriptions and pictures of the pieces brought in by the scrap seller, says the NCSL.
Consider these tips from The Spruce to help protect your car from catalytic converter theft:
Understanding when your car might be a target for catalytic converter theft is the first key to preventing it. By following these protective measures, you may help deter thieves from targeting your car.
Originally published on February 25, 2015.
The post Protect Your Vehicle Against Catalytic Converter Theft appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
The purr of a well-tuned automobile engine is a wonderful sound. Of course, many of us take it for granted as we turn our ignition keys and head off to work each morning. But in today’s cars, which have so many parts that require regular tuning, lubrication and replacement, a strange noise may be your vehicle telling you that something is wrong.
When you pay attention to abnormal noises and know what to do about them, you may be able to help keep your car in optimal operating condition and prolong its overall road life. Here are a few common noises and their possible causes:
The sound of a loud squeak or squeal coming from under the hood of your car is often due to slippage of a worn or damaged accessory belt, according to Angie’s List. If this is the case, the squeaking may be caused by an aging belt, such as the serpentine belt, becoming loose and losing traction. Sometimes you can even see that the sides of old belts have cracks or have become shiny or “glazed,” according to The Humble Mechanic.
Squealing belts may need to be replaced, so if this noise is coming from under the hood of your car, you may need to visit a mechanic.
If your car produces a hissing noise when it’s on — especially when it’s idling — you may be facing a vacuum leak, meaning a vacuum line may be damaged, according to car and motorcycle enthusiast Matt Bochnak. This problem may also cause your check engine light to go on, and sometimes the vehicle may idle faster than normal. Or, says Bochnak, you may experience the idle dropping and the car running a little “rough.”
Hearing a hissing noise from under your car’s hood may be an indication that it’s time to take it to a mechanic. The solution may be as simple as having lines reattached, or you may need new ones.
A squeal coming from any of your wheels can be a brake pad issue, Cars.com says. Remember: brake pads wear down through usage, and many of today’s brake pads have sensors to alert you when they are wearing down. Even if your car doesn’t have those sensors, if you hear that screeching noise, it may be a high-pitched reminder that it’s time to get your brake pads inspected, and likely replaced, by a professional.
If you don’t heed this noise and your brake pads are worn out, Pep Boys notes that the rotors can be damaged — which may mean an expensive repair bill. Read on to find out what happens when a squeal turns into a grind.
Worn brake pads, if not fixed, will eventually wear away completely, and the sound of metal on metal will result in a horrible grinding noise. This also means that along with your brake pads, your brake rotors may need repair or replacement, says Pep Boys.
Hopefully, you’ll never hear this sound coming from your wheels. But if you do, it’s time to make sure your brakes are inspected by a professional immediately.
So, the next time you’re out enjoying a drive, turn down the music and listen to your car instead. It might be trying to tell you something that will keep you safer and help save you money down the road.
Originally published on January 8, 2014.
The post Strange Noises Your Car Makes and the Reasons Behind Them appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
Winter storms can be unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous — especially if you’re driving. Before you hit the road this winter, here are a few tips on how to prepare for inclement weather and what to do if you need to survive a night in your car.
In general, it’s best to stay off the road when severe winter weather is predicted. It may sound harrowing, but about 70 percent of winter weather-related injuries occur in an automobile, and about 25 percent of injuries happen to people caught out in a storm, National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) reports. According to Ready.gov, the cold of a winter storm can increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Combating the rain, snow, wind and ice could lead to overexertion from shoveling snow and car accidents due to dangerous driving conditions.
In addition to paying attention to weather reports on TV, radio and the internet, Ready.gov suggests making sure your cellphone is set up to receive wireless emergency alerts. Weather alerts, which are part of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, are similar to text messages and notify you of serious weather conditions and recommended actions. You can also tune into your local NOAA Weather Radio station for continuous weather broadcasts, official watches, warnings and more.
It’s generally a good idea to winterize your car every year before winter weather rolls around. A tune up, properly inflated tires, new windshield wiper blades and topped-off fluids may help prepare your car for the lower temperatures and help it better handle inclement weather. And it’s a good idea to keep a fully stocked winter emergency kit in your car, just in case. Some items to include are:
However, an emergency kit and winterizing your vehicle don’t guarantee safety in a storm. If your area is under a winter storm warning, it is best to stay off the road. If you’re already on the road, seek shelter right away if inclement weather is approaching and driving conditions are expected to be hazardous. You may also want to share information about your trip before you leave. Tell a friend or family member your destination, your planned route and when you expect to arrive, recommends the American Red Cross. That way, if your vehicle gets stuck, they will know where to tell the authorities to send help.
If you’re stuck in your car and immobile, you’ll typically have a better chance of being found if you remain with your car — which may also provide the best shelter from the elements. Here are some important tips to help you survive the night.
Even if you’re unsure if the situation is a true emergency, 911.gov recommends dialing 911.
After you’ve called for help, stay in your vehicle and wait, says the Red Cross. Do not leave the car, as blowing snow may cause you to become disoriented and lost.
While you wait for help or wait out the storm, the American Red Cross suggests signaling that you need help. For example, raise the hood after the snow stops falling or, if you have a radio antenna, add a piece of colored fabric, preferably red, to it. Weather.com recommends turning on your hazard lights, and you may also want to set out reflectors from your emergency kit.
Inside the car, do light exercises — such as moving your arms and legs, and clapping your hands — to maintain circulation. If another person is in the car with you, huddle for warmth. Use extra layers, such as removable floor mats or even a paper map, to help trap more body heat, the American Red Cross advises.
You can also run the engine for about 10 minutes every house to keep warm, says the Red Cross. Only run the engine for short amounts of time and ensure that the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to help reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
This will help you avoid dehydration, which makes you more susceptible to the potential health hazards of cold weather, according to the American Red Cross. The Colorado Department of Transportation recommends keeping a gallon of water in your vehicle.
Hopefully you stay safe and warm during a winter storm, but it’s always a good idea to be ready, just in case. With these tips, you can better prepare for handling a winter storm and surviving a cold night in your car.
Originally published on November 3, 2016.
The post How to Survive a Winter Night in Your Car appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
It’s a scary feeling — that moment you’re driving along and an animal darts into the road. You’re left with a split second to react and hopefully avoid an accident. With a little knowledge, you may be able to keep the animal, yourself and your car safe. These tips can help you learn how to steer clear of animals on the road.
Being aware of the environment you’re driving through can help you know what kind of animals you may encounter. In urban and suburban areas you’re more likely to encounter smaller animals, such as squirrels, rabbits, opossums or raccoons, says the Washington State Department of Transportation. In wooded or rural areas, however, you’ll also need to keep an eye out for deer, horses or cows that stray onto the road. In some areas you may need to look for larger animals, like moose, bears and elk.
Animals tend to be most active at dawn, dusk and for a few hours after sunset, so the Humane Society of the United States (Humane Society) recommends watching for wildlife during these times. Also, use extra caution when driving on roads that run through wooded areas and between fields.
It’s important to stay alert — keeping your focus not just on the road ahead but on the sides of the road, too, says the Humane Society. There may be animals nearby that are about to cross the road. Also, keep in mind that if you see one animal, there are likely more nearby, says the Humane Society.
Always follow the posted speed limit, and consider reducing your speed at night, notes the the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT). Slow down and pay extra attention in areas where warning signs, such as deer or moose crossing signs, are posted. These signs indicate an area where there’s a large population of animals and collisions are more frequent, according to MaineDOT.
To help you see better, the Humane Society suggests using your high beams whenever it is possible and appropriate to do so. Also consider dimming your dashboard lights a bit, as this may make it easier for you to see your headlights reflecting off of a nearby animal’s eyes — hopefully giving you a little more time to slow down or stop.
MaineDOT also recommends that you drive slow enough that you could stop within the distance your headlights are shining. This may reduce the chance of you not being able to stop in time for an animal (or any other object) that is just beyond the area your headlights are illuminating.
If you encounter an animal on the road, do not swerve to try to miss it. Consumer Reports says that turning quickly and sharply increases your risk of losing control of your vehicle or hitting another car. Swerving may also confuse the animal and cause it to move unpredictably. It is better to hit the brakes — slowing down as quickly and safely as possible, says Consumer Reports. Keep in mind that an accident with another vehicle is likely more dangerous than colliding with wildlife.
The bottom line is that you need to stay alert for wildlife while driving. Just like many other potential hazards, an animal in the road can be unexpected and unpredictable. With a little knowledge of your surroundings and some defensive driving skills, however, you may be able to avoid an unfortunate animal encounter.
Originally published on September 22, 2015.
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